The Philadelphia Phillies will have to wait a few extra hours Sunday as they try to finish off a four-game sweep of the New York Mets, and potentially clinch their second consecutive playoff berth.
Saturday evening, the Phillies announced that Sunday’s game — originally slated to begin at 1:05 ET — will now begin at 6:05 ET. Gates at Citizens Bank Park will open at 4:35 ET.
The thinking is that a majority of the effects of Tropical Storm Ophelia will have moved through Philadelphia by the new game time, allowing the two clubs to wrap up their season series without an extended rain delay or postponement. Both the Phillies and Mets are off Monday, so if the forecast changes, they still have that to fall back on.
Because this was a last-minute scheduling change — and Sunday is also Fan Appreciation Day — the Phillies say that “fans who purchased tickets for Sunday’s game will receiver a special ticket offer in February 2024 for an April 2024 game.” Fans who have additional questions can contact the Phillies by calling 215-463-1000, or by emailing tickets@Phillies.com.
Cristopher Sánchez is slated to get the ball for the Phillies, while José Butto will toe the rubber for the Mets. At 86-69, the Phillies magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to two. If either the Miami Marlins or Chicago Cubs lose tomorrow afternoon, the Phillies will have a shot to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win Sunday evening.
